Learn to Act FAST – Recognize the Signs of a Stroke

Would you be able to recognize when someone is having a stroke? May is National Stroke Awareness Month and knowing how to act FAST can help save someone’s life.

According to the CDC, stroke kills more than 130,000 Americans each year. Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every 4 minutes someone dies of a stroke. These statistics highlight the importance of knowing how to spot the signs of a stroke and what actions to take. A person's survival rate drastically increases when they are able to receive medical treatment right away.

Possible signs of a stroke can include trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, difficulty walking or keeping balance and a severe headache. By knowing how to recognize the signs of a stroke, we are able to act FAST and help save a life.

FAST is an acronym that we all should know. Here's what it means.

1

Face

Look at the person’s Face and ask them to smile. Check to see if it is uneven. A drooping face is a sign of a stroke.

ThinkStock Cameron Whitman

2

Arm

Ask the person to raise one Arm. Check to see if the arm is weak and if they are unable to raise it.

ThinkStock - Tharakorn

3

Speech

Ask the person to Speak and listen for signs of slurring.

ThinkStock Cathy Yeulet

4

Time

Time is critical for someone suffering from a stroke and medical attention is required as soon as possible.